spheres of influence -plato friends! ;P
open door policy
Many European nations forced China to sign unequal agreements.
China wasn't powerful. China has a dying economy, a dead military, and no powerful central government. For European powers, it was an easy walk in, kill a few hundred thousand, use up the natural resources, and leave.
Prevent European powers from dividing up China.
Chinese ports were opened for trade with European powers.
European powers were dissatisfied with China's opening of the port of Guangzhou because it limited foreign trade to a single port and imposed strict regulations on foreign merchants. The Chinese government maintained stringent control over trade practices, which frustrated European nations seeking greater access to Chinese markets and resources. This dissatisfaction contributed to escalating tensions, ultimately leading to conflicts such as the Opium Wars, as European powers sought to expand their trading rights and influence in China.
European powers divided China into spheres of influence, while the United States promoted an Open Door Policy.
China was not colonized by European powers primarily due to its strong centralized government, large population, and advanced civilization. The Chinese government was able to resist foreign influence and maintain control over its territory. Additionally, China's vast size and population made it a challenging target for colonization.
European powers divided China into spheres of influence, while the United States promoted an Open Door Policy.
Chinese ports were opened for trade with European powers.
The European system of spheres of influence in China threatened U.S. interests by undermining American access to trade and investment opportunities in the region. As European powers carved out exclusive territories and privileges, the U.S. risked being marginalized in the growing Chinese market. This situation prompted the U.S. to advocate for an "Open Door Policy" to ensure equal trading rights for all nations and to prevent any single power from dominating China, thereby protecting its economic interests and promoting stability in the region.
China, moreso than Japan, had become controlled by European powers, which were militarily stronger. Japan participated more fully in the Industrial Revolution, and began to emulate the western powers in their imperialistic pursuits. China, Korea, Manchuria, and Indochina were soon targets of the Japanese as well as of European countries.